In an emotional address delivered at a preparatory gathering at the home of Rav Dov Landau ahead of the renewed fundraising drive for Keren Olam HaTorah, Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch explained the dire necessity of extending the initiative for another year. The campaign, which last year provided critical financial support to yeshivos and kollelim across Eretz Yisroel, is being relaunched following overwhelming demand and continued financial strain.
“We’ve once again reached a point,” Rav Hirsch declared, “where this effort is not optional—it is absolutely essential. And in truth, the baalei batim themselves have told me they want to do it again. They’re waiting for us to move forward. And we all know just how desperately needed this is.”
Referencing last year’s emergency initiative, Rav Hirsch said, “The reality, which we saw then and now again are witnessing, is that numerous kollelim—and possibly even yeshivos—would have closed their doors were it not for Keren Hatzalas Olam HaTorah. That’s not an exaggeration. And even those institutions that wouldn’t have closed still struggled immensely. This fund was a lifeline for them.”
He acknowledged that originally, the campaign was launched with the understanding that it would be a one-time operation. “We said last year this is something you only do once. That’s what the baalei batim believed too. No one thought we’d be doing this again. But the current situation leaves us no choice.”
Rav Hirsch emphasized the enthusiasm and willingness of the broader community to participate. “What amazed me last time—and what brought such kavod Shamayim—was how eager the baalei batim were to contribute. Even people who are not financially well-off came forward and pleaded to be part of this incredible initiative. Everyone wanted to be among those who uphold Torah. That’s what created such a tremendous kiddush Hashem.”
Concluding his heartfelt appeal, Rav Hirsch expressed his hopes for the campaign’s success. “May Hashem help us merit the strength and siyata d’Shmaya to do this again, and may we once again see Klal Yisroel come together to support Torah, increase kavod Shamayim, and hasten the complete geulah, bimheira b’yameinu, Amein.”
{Matzav.com Israel}